#6 Amy Rosenblatt 7/17/13

Amy Rosenblatt (Naomi '73-'79) started camp as the youngest camper and continued until she was 13. Although she ended camp as she entered her teens Amy still holds deep friendships from her Naomi days. At under 10 minutes this interview is brief but sweet. Amy talks about sunrise breakfasts at the waterfront, Diana's Bath, picking blueberries, Robin Jonas, Robin Shuman, and the time she and her bunkmates pulled a prank on Becky Schnur. 13 minutes with music outro.

#5 Al Zippin (Recorded) 8/23/12

Two Hundred and One Pounds of Fun That's Al Zippin, He's the one. Has anybody seen big Al? Whacka-doo, whacka-doo, whacka-doo.


 Our beloved assistant director, Al Zippin, talks about his start at Camps Joseph and Naomi, working with Lenny, how he did his job, what it was like for Barbara and he raising their boys at camp, and a story about Sam Hilson.

Who's walking down the paths of Camp Joseph
Smiling at everybody he sees- Who's reaching out to help every camper Everyone knows it's big Al And big Al has glasses on and a big stomach and lots of choclate milk a tennis raquet a tennis racquet (Repeat first stanza)

#4 Carl Michelman 4/9/13

Carl Michelman (Joseph 1966-1973, Naomi 1974-1978) went from youngest camper through the years at Camp Joseph. When Joseph and Naomi merged Michelman had the distinction of being the youngest staff member who had been a camper. A new position, Equipment Shack Manager was created for him when he was 15 years old. While his former bunk mates were senior campers in the boys unit, Carl was on staff and living at the Sugar Shack with the kitchen boys. Carl was later promoted to Boat Driver which he did for his last three years at Naomi. Hear all about this and more in this podcast. I sat down in person with Carl at his home in Seattle, Washington on April 9th, 2013. Click the link below to hear the podcast:

Carl Michelman Podcast #4 4/9/13

Gregg and Carl, Seattle, 4/9/13

#3 Andrew Newman 7/25/12

Andrew Newman (Naomi counselor 1982-1984) talks about his childhood summer camp in South Africa, getting hired by Lenny 4 months after moving to the States, co-counseloring with Larry Slavitter, his first Naomi bunk, from introvert to extrovert at camp, a story about end-of-camp parent tipping, Visiting Day, his daughters' camp experience vs. his own, connecting his run as a temple president to his view of camp, life after camp, and what he's up to now. 32 minutes.

                                  Andrew with his first bunk, 1982. Andy is back row, center, in red.

                                                   Rabbi Andy giving a presentation on Shabbat.

                                                                         Andrew now.
                                        (Click on the controls below to listen to this episode)

#2 Richie Skoler 1/4/12

Richie Skoler (Naomi 1976-1984) talks about extreme jumping in Israel, channeling Mick Jagger, late night excursions, the waterfront, and why camp was great.

Richie is on the right. After the CNLO "Boats in the Dining Hall" mission.

#1 Lew Schneider 1/2/12

Lew Schneider (Naomi 1972-1983) talks about baseball at camp, including stories about Rick Shaw, throwing out opposing directors, Naomi's home field advantage, and Brad Henken's highlights. Schneider also recounts the time Sam Hillson addressed his cabin, Lew's early bunkmates, Al's headshake, and the origins of Naomi's Frisbee golf course (23 minutes).

Lew is on the right.

Lew is on bottom row, 2nd from left.

Click on the photo below to listen to the podcast:

Prepare for YOUR episode (talking points)

Let us know if you would like to be a Podcast guest, then, before our conversation, spend some time thinking about these talking points:

What years and at what ages did you attend Joseph/Naomi?

Were you a camper, counselor, or both?

What memories come to your mind when you think back to camp?

What were some of your favorite daytime activities?

What counselors stood out to you when you were a camper?

What comes to mind when I mention the following things:

The Dining Hall?

The Rec Hall?

The Big Field?

The Waterfront?

The Cabins?

Evening Activities?

Color War?

Cabin Trips?

Why was camp special for you?

What were your greatest triumphs at camp?

Any embarrassing moments or things you regret?

What are some funny memories or stories that you remember?

How do you think camp shaped who you became?

What can you tell us about your life since camp?